White House Photographer's Best of 2012 Photos

January 12, 2013 7:30 AM

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Jan. 24, 2012One of the most memorable moments of the year was when the President hugged Rep. Gabrielle Giffords as he walked onto the floor of the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol to deliver his annual State of the Union address. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

Jan. 24, 2012
One of the most memorable moments of the year was when the President hugged Rep. Gabrielle Giffords as he walked onto the floor of the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol to deliver his annual State ... more

Jan. 24, 2012 One of the most memorable moments of the year was... Photo-4020638.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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Jan. 30, 2012This is one of those rare instances where my presence indirectly became a part of this reaction from those pictured in the photograph. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had just accidentally dropped all of her briefing papers onto the Oval Office rug and she, the President and Vice President all reacted in a way that indicated that surely I wouldn't get a photo of that to embarrass her. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

Jan. 30, 2012
This is one of those rare instances where my presence indirectly became a part of this reaction from those pictured in the photograph. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had just accidentally ... more

Jan. 30, 2012 This is one of those rare instances where my presence... Photo-4020639.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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Feb. 7, 2012Kids will be kids. After the President had welcomed Lauren Fleming, the March of Dimes national ambassador, and her family in the Oval Office, her brother, Corbin Fleming, started to play with the President's telephone. Fortunately, he wasn't able to get through to a head of state. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

Feb. 7, 2012
Kids will be kids. After the President had welcomed Lauren Fleming, the March of Dimes national ambassador, and her family in the Oval Office, her brother, Corbin Fleming, started to play with the ... more

Feb. 7, 2012 Kids will be kids. After the President had welcomed... Photo-4020640.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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March 30, 2012We had just arrived aboard the Marine One helicopter on the South Lawn and the President was walking into the White House. I had seen this scene several times but had never been able to quite capture it the way I wanted. Here, finally, arriving at night, I was able to frame him walking into the light of the Diplomatic Reception Room, with the added bonus of his shadow being cast from the television lights off to the left. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

March 30, 2012
We had just arrived aboard the Marine One helicopter on the South Lawn and the President was walking into the White House. I had seen this scene several times but had never been able to quite ... more

March 30, 2012 We had just arrived aboard the Marine One helicopter... Photo-4020641.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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April 18, 2012We were doing an event at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich. Before speaking, the President was looking at some of the automobiles and exhibits adjacent to the event, and before I knew what was happening he walked onto the famed Rosa Parks bus. He sat in one of the seats, looking out the window for only a few seconds. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

April 18, 2012
We were doing an event at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich. Before speaking, the President was looking at some of the automobiles and exhibits adjacent to the event, and before I knew what ... more

April 18, 2012 We were doing an event at the Henry Ford Museum in... Photo-4020642.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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April 24, 2012We were backstage at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill for the President's appearance on 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.' The President let out a big laugh as he was being briefed by the producers and Mr. Fallon on the 'Slow Jam the News' segment. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

April 24, 2012
We were backstage at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill for the President's appearance on 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.' The President let out a big laugh as he was being briefed by ... more

April 24, 2012 We were backstage at the University of North... Photo-4020643.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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April 24, 2012The President wipes off his trousers after being splattered by frozen yogurt while shaking hands along a ropeline in Boulder, Colo. University of Colorado student Kolbi Zerbest had placed her cup of yogurt on the ground while trying to shake hands with the President, and someone else inadvertently kicked the cup. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

April 24, 2012
The President wipes off his trousers after being splattered by frozen yogurt while shaking hands along a ropeline in Boulder, Colo. University of Colorado student Kolbi Zerbest had placed her cup ... more

April 24, 2012 The President wipes off his trousers after being... Photo-4020644.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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May 1, 2012In Afghanistan, there was virtually no light inside the helicopter as we flew from Kabul back to Bagram Air Field after the President had met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. (For the photo buffs, this photograph was taken at ISO 6400, 1/5 second at f/1.4.) Flanking the President are General John Allen, Commanding General of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, and U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker. Denis McDonough, Deputy National Security Advisor, is at left. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

May 1, 2012
In Afghanistan, there was virtually no light inside the helicopter as we flew from Kabul back to Bagram Air Field after the President had met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. (For the photo buffs, ... more

May 1, 2012 In Afghanistan, there was virtually no light inside the... Photo-4020645.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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May 1, 2012For the President, this was one of the most poignant moments of the his first term. He was visiting wounded warriors in the intensive care unit at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan. He had just presented a Purple Heart to Sgt. Chase Haag, who had been injured by an IED just hours before. Sgt. Haag was covered with a blanket and it was difficult to see how badly he was injured. He was also seemingly unconscious, or perhaps just asleep. The President whispered in his ear so not to wake him. Just then, there was a rustling under the blanket and Sgt. Haag, eyes still closed, reached his hand out to shake hands with the President. 'I'll never forget that moment,' someone else in the room later told me.(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

May 1, 2012
For the President, this was one of the most poignant moments of the his first term. He was visiting wounded warriors in the intensive care unit at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan. He had just ... more

May 1, 2012 For the President, this was one of the most poignant... Photo-4020646.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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May 11, 2012After some early morning basketball in Los Angeles, the President talks with the players who included actors Don Cheadle, Tobey Maguire, and George Clooney, along with two of Clooney's long-time friends. Stacy Keibler is also at right. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

May 11, 2012
After some early morning basketball in Los Angeles, the President talks with the players who included actors Don Cheadle, Tobey Maguire, and George Clooney, along with two of Clooney's long-time ... more

May 11, 2012 After some early morning basketball in Los Angeles,... Photo-4020647.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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May 19, 2012At Camp David for the G8 Summit, European leaders took a break to watch the overtime shootout of the Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich Champions League final. Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, the President, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, French President François Hollande react during the winning goal. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

May 19, 2012
At Camp David for the G8 Summit, European leaders took a break to watch the overtime shootout of the Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich Champions League final. Prime Minister David Cameron of the United ... more

May 19, 2012 At Camp David for the G8 Summit, European leaders took... Photo-4020648.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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May 25, 2012The President was welcoming service members and their families to a screening of 'Men in Black 3' in the White House Family Theater. The movie was being presented in 3D, so the President jokingly asked them to try on their 3D glasses while he was speaking to them. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

May 25, 2012
The President was welcoming service members and their families to a screening of 'Men in Black 3' in the White House Family Theater. The movie was being presented in 3D, so the President jokingly ... more

May 25, 2012 The President was welcoming service members and their... Photo-4020649.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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June 13, 2012There was still a little light left in the evening sky as the President and First Lady waved goodbye to President Shimon Peres of Israel following a dinner in his honor at the White House. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

June 13, 2012
There was still a little light left in the evening sky as the President and First Lady waved goodbye to President Shimon Peres of Israel following a dinner in his honor at the White House. ... more

June 13, 2012 There was still a little light left in the evening... Photo-4020650.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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June 18, 2012The First Lady reacts as she watches Laura Jarrett and Tony Balkissoon take their vows during their wedding at Valerie Jarrett's home in Chicago. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

June 18, 2012
The First Lady reacts as she watches Laura Jarrett and Tony Balkissoon take their vows during their wedding at Valerie Jarrett's home in Chicago. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

June 18, 2012 The First Lady reacts as she watches Laura Jarrett... Photo-4020651.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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July 5, 2012'Anyone want to try a piece of my strawberry pie,' the President asked those at adjacent tables during a stop for lunch at Kozy Corners restaurant in Oak Harbor, Ohio. A young boy said yes and came over for a big bite of pie. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

July 5, 2012
'Anyone want to try a piece of my strawberry pie,' the President asked those at adjacent tables during a stop for lunch at Kozy Corners restaurant in Oak Harbor, Ohio. A young boy said yes and came ... more

July 14, 2012The President delivers remarks in the pouring rain at a campaign event in Glen Allen, Va. He was supposed to do a series of press interviews inside before his speech, but since people had been waiting for hours in the rain he did his remarks as soon as he arrived at the site so people could go home to dry off . (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

July 14, 2012
The President delivers remarks in the pouring rain at a campaign event in Glen Allen, Va. He was supposed to do a series of press interviews inside before his speech, but since people had been ... more

July 14, 2012 The President delivers remarks in the pouring rain at... Photo-4020653.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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July 16, 2012The President and First Lady were attending the game between the U.S. Men's Olympic basketball team and Brazil in Washington, D.C. During the first half, the jumbotron flashed couples on their 'Kiss Cam', where they are then induced by the crowd to kiss each other. But neither the President or First Lady saw themselves when they were flashed on the 'Kiss Cam', and some in the audience booed when they didn't kiss. At halftime, as we walked to the locker room to visit the U.S. team, daughters Malia and Sasha were asking their parents why they hadn't kissed during their 'Kiss Cam' moment. Both the President and First Lady said they hadn't even realized what had happened and didn't know why people were booing. So in the second half, when they appeared again on the 'Kiss Cam', the President leaned over to kiss the First Lady amidst audience cheers as Malia and the Vice President watched overhead on the jumbotron. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

July 16, 2012
The President and First Lady were attending the game between the U.S. Men's Olympic basketball team and Brazil in Washington, D.C. During the first half, the jumbotron flashed couples on their ... more

July 16, 2012 The President and First Lady were attending the game... Photo-4020654.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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July 26, 2012A view from behind the President's chair during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 26, 2012
A view from behind the President's chair during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Aug. 15, 2012The President hugs the First Lady after she had introduced him at a campaign event in Davenport, Iowa. The campaign tweeted a similar photo from the campaign photographer on election night and a lot of people thought it was taken on election day. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

Aug. 15, 2012
The President hugs the First Lady after she had introduced him at a campaign event in Davenport, Iowa. The campaign tweeted a similar photo from the campaign photographer on election night and a ... more

Aug. 15, 2012 The President hugs the First Lady after she had... Photo-4020656.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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Sept. 1, 2012The overview of a campaign rally in Urbandale, Iowa. This view was from a scissors lift just above the press stand. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Sept. 1, 2012
The overview of a campaign rally in Urbandale, Iowa. This view was from a scissors lift just above the press stand. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Sept. 5, 2012Backstage at the Democratic National Convention, the President watches as former President Bill Clinton delivers his nomination speech, before surprising the crowd with an onstage appearance together after the speech. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

Sept. 5, 2012
Backstage at the Democratic National Convention, the President watches as former President Bill Clinton delivers his nomination speech, before surprising the crowd with an onstage appearance ... more

Sept. 7, 2012The President and Vice President share a laugh before a campaign rally together in Portsmouth, N.H.(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Sept. 7, 2012
The President and Vice President share a laugh before a campaign rally together in Portsmouth, N.H.
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Sept. 7, 2012 The President and Vice President share a laugh before... Photo-4020659.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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Oct. 2, 2012The President talks with Ron Klain during debate preparations in Henderson, Nev. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., background, played the role of Gov. Mitt Romney during the prep sessions. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

Oct. 2, 2012
The President talks with Ron Klain during debate preparations in Henderson, Nev. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., background, played the role of Gov. Mitt Romney during the prep sessions. (Official White ... more

Oct. 26, 2012The President pretends to be caught in Spider-Man's web as he greets the Nicholas Tamarin, 3, just outside the Oval Office. Spider-Man had been trick-or-treating for an early Halloween with his father, White House aide Nate Tamarin in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. I can never commit to calling any picture my favorite, but the President told me that this was HIS favorite picture of the year when he saw it hanging in the West Wing a couple of weeks later.(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

Oct. 26, 2012
The President pretends to be caught in Spider-Man's web as he greets the Nicholas Tamarin, 3, just outside the Oval Office. Spider-Man had been trick-or-treating for an early Halloween with his ... more

Nov. 6, 2012 (Election Day)While he waited for the concession call from Gov. Mitt Romney, the President worked on his acceptance speech with Jon Favreau, Director of Speechwriting, and campaign advisor David Axelrod at a Chicago hotel. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

Nov. 6, 2012 (Election Day)
While he waited for the concession call from Gov. Mitt Romney, the President worked on his acceptance speech with Jon Favreau, Director of Speechwriting, and campaign advisor David ... more

Nov. 15, 2012The President had just met with the U.S. Olympics gymnastics team, who because of a previous commitment had missed the ceremony earlier in the year with the entire U.S. Olympic team. The President suggested to McKayla Maroney that they recreate her 'not impressed' photograph before they departed. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

Nov. 15, 2012
The President had just met with the U.S. Olympics gymnastics team, who because of a previous commitment had missed the ceremony earlier in the year with the entire U.S. Olympic team. The President ... more

Nov. 15, 2012 The President had just met with the U.S. Olympics... Photo-4020663.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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Nov. 19, 2012To some, this is just a snapshot and doesn't belong in this gallery of candid photographs from the year. But to me, it evokes what the trip to Burma was all about. Here is the President, shoes and socks off in respect, posing like an American tourist in front of the oldest pagoda in the world in a country that no U.S. President had ever been able to visit.

Nov. 19, 2012
To some, this is just a snapshot and doesn't belong in this gallery of candid photographs from the year. But to me, it evokes what the trip to Burma was all about. Here is the President, shoes and ... more

Nov. 19, 2012 To some, this is just a snapshot and doesn't... Photo-4020664.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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Dec. 14, 2012The President reacts as John Brennan briefs him on the details of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. The President later said during a TV interview that this was the worst day of his Presidency. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

Dec. 14, 2012
The President reacts as John Brennan briefs him on the details of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. The President later said during a TV interview that this was the ... more

Dec. 14, 2012 The President reacts as John Brennan briefs him on... Photo-4020665.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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Dec. 16, 2012Two days after the shootings at Newtown, the President traveled to Connecticut to meet with the victims' families and give remarks at a prayer vigil. The President spent hours greeting family members. Difficult as that was for everyone, the one moment that helped sooth the pain was when he posed for a photo with the siblings and cousins of Emilie Parker, one of the 20 children who died that day in Newtown. I see both sadness and hope in this photograph, and I know after a lot of tears that day, it meant so much to the President that everyone was able to smile for a moment in this family photo. Thanks to the Parker family for allowing us to show this photograph publicly. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

Dec. 16, 2012
Two days after the shootings at Newtown, the President traveled to Connecticut to meet with the victims' families and give remarks at a prayer vigil. The President spent hours greeting family ... more

Dec. 16, 2012 Two days after the shootings at Newtown, the... Photo-4020666.55041 - Houston Chronicle

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Dec. 28, 2012After returning early from his Christmas vacation, the President with the Vice President meets in the Oval Office with the leadership of Congress to discuss the fiscal cliff. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) less

Dec. 28, 2012
After returning early from his Christmas vacation, the President with the Vice President meets in the Oval Office with the leadership of Congress to discuss the fiscal cliff. (Official White House ... more